I move:
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Garda Síochána Acts 2005-2015 to provide for the appointment of persons to the ranks of Garda Commissioner and Deputy Garda Commissioner by An tÚdarás Póilíneachta.
The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Garda Síochána Acts to provide for the direct appointment of the Garda Commissioner and the deputy Garda commissioner by the Policing Authority, as is the case in making other senior Garda appointments, including the appointment of assistant commissioners and superintendents. It is Sinn Féin's view that the Policing Authority should be robust and have appropriate and adequate powers. The Bill would provide for the transfer of more responsibility to it and specifically for the transfer of this function to it from the Minister for Justice and Equality. I look forward to receiving the support of all Teachtaí Dála for the Bill in the time ahead.
